Computers Do You Really NEED an AIO Cooler?

It's well documented that a liquid cooler is the most effective type of cooler.

But do you actually need an aio, especially if you aren't going to push max OC limits?

For the build I'm piecing together I ended up going with an air cooler, Scythe Mugen 5, on an Intel I7-10700k. I'm more comfortable with the install, didn't want the risk of a leak down the road, and felt like the extra $150 was better spent elsewhere.

What do you say? AIO is a must, a nice to have, or other?
[Reply]

I have an AIO cooler.

In my opinion, it's not necessary at all.

It looks nice and is not a dust-collecting machine. That's about the only benefits, IMO.
[Reply]

How much beer does it hold?
[Reply]

lol, of course you dont need one

look at what they processors come with out of the box or what are in business class machines
[Reply]

Originally Posted by vailpass:
It's well documented that a liquid cooler is the most effective type of cooler.

But do you actually need an aio, especially if you aren't going to push max OC limits?

For the build I'm piecing together I ended up going with an air cooler, Scythe Mugen 5, on an Intel I7-10700k. I'm more comfortable with the install, didn't want the risk of a leak down the road, and felt like the extra $150 was better spent elsewhere.

What do you say? AIO is a must, a nice to have, or other?

Most AIOs are only slightly, if at all - more effective than a good air cooler. I actually have the Scythe Mugen 5 and it's a great cooler.
[Reply]

Originally Posted by FlintHillsChiefs:
Most AIOs are only slightly, if at all - more effective than a good air cooler. I actually have the Scythe Mugen 5 and it's a great cooler.

Correct.

Even with a healthy OC, a good active air cooler will do a good enough job.
[Reply]

Short answer.

No, you do not.
[Reply]

Thanks for the responses all, I’m glad to hear the consensus seems to be air coolers are still effective even with today’s CPU’s.
[Reply]

Originally Posted by FlintHillsChiefs:
Most AIOs are only slightly, if at all - more effective than a good air cooler. I actually have the Scythe Mugen 5 and it's a great cooler.

Great to hear the SM5 is working for you. In addition to cooling performance, I went with this one because it fits with high-profile RAM and because it’s good looking (I'm talking to you Noctua).
[Reply]

Not at all... I'm overclocking my CPU by 135% with a $25 CPU air cooler and decent case airflow.

Looks cool though...
[Reply]

AIO is nice to have. There definitely are benefits like more cooling performance for less noise. IE it's better to have 3 fans at low rpm than 1 or 2 fans running faster.
[Reply]

Well screw it, I'm going to do an AIO just because it looks cleaner. But mainly because I'm sitting here with a bunch of parts waiting to get a card and want to do something if I can't build. Thinking about the CORSAIR iCUE H115i ELITE CAPELLIX. Considered NZXT Kraken but don't like what I read about their software.

Anyone have a brand they recommend?

I've never installed AIO, the videos don't make it look hard though.
[Reply]

My last build had a Corsair that worked great, no problems whatsoever. While not critical, as others have chimed in, I think they're great with the noise factor and looks.
[Reply]

Mine is an EVGA but I only got it to match my prominent EVGA GPU.
[Reply]

Originally Posted by SuperChief:
My last build had a Corsair that worked great, no problems whatsoever. While not critical, as others have chimed in, I think they're great with the noise factor and looks.

Good to hear the Corsair worked for you. Did you top-mount your fans?
[Reply]